Newsletter

Kansas sheriff buys less-lethal ammunition for prisoner control

Reno County looking for new ways to handle inmate confrontations

HUTCHINSON — A sharp increase in the number of physical confrontations between inmates and correctional officers has prompted a central Kansas sheriff to purchase less lethal ammunition to subdue prisoners.

Reno County Sheriff Randy Henderson says his deputies have to use force to restrain inmates at the jail two or three times a week, compared to almost never a few years ago.

The Hutchinson News (http://bit.ly/1j1vb8E ) reports the sheriff told county commissioners earlier this week his office would soon purchase less lethal ammunition that would allow deputies to restrain prisoners from a distance, rather than use hands-on measures.

Henderson said the ammo looks almost like a children’s jack and can be deployed from a range of 1 to 25 yards without seriously injuring a prisoner.

“There’s no damage done. Yes, you get a welt and you start following commands,” he said.

Henderson said the ammo likely wouldn’t start being used in the jail for at least another six months.